Flights
We will fly to JRO (Kilimanjaro) Airport. Do not book flights until we confirm the flight that the group will be using. It is possible to meet in Moshi if you wish to. British Airways and Air Kenya are normally the cheapest.

Insurance
We do not include insurance within our course fees. You will require a specialist trekking insurance and we will require a copy of the policy. Our approved insurance contractors are:

BMC: 0870 0104878 www.thebmc.co.uk or The Foundry: 0114 2755806 or Snowcard: 0132 7262805

Visas
UK citizens need a Tanzanian visa. The Irish are exempt. The Visa should be obtained in advance of the trip and the application form can be downloaded here: www.tanzania-online.gov.uk The request takes 24 hours to process, requires two passport photos, a valid passport and costs about £40.00 per person.

Tips
They are to be paid locally to the operator and are typically $15/day for guides, $10 for assistant guides/cooks, $7/day for porters. This is from the whole group not per person. We will have 1 guide, 2 assistant guides, 1 cook and 4 porters. This works out approximately at $130 per person and will be collected by Rob during the trip.

Health Considerations
Tanzania is not a particularly dangerous country and few travellers experience worse than an upset stomach. It is worth however having the relevant inoculations before you leave home. It would be sensible to safeguard against the following:
Diptheria & Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Meningitis & Malaria. Many of these are only relevant if you intend to stay on for a month or more so speak to your GP for advice or visit his link: http://www.masta.org/

Altitude article Read more about travelling at altitude.

Environment:
 
We have joined the UIAA Environment Scheme. The UIAA Environment Label exists to promote high standards of conduct and responsible access for climbing and mountain activities and works closely with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to promote protected areas and access and conservation strategies for climbing.
1% of your course fee will be put towards environmental charities to help maintain and conserve our mountain environment.
 

Weather
We have chosen January because it is generally dry and warm just after the major rains and the weather is usually settled. Temperatures are likely to be in the region of 28c at the foot of the mountain and can be as cold as -10c on the summit. The sun rises and sets at about 6:30am and sets 12 hours later. There will probably be fresh snow on the mountain.

Previous Experience
You need no previous technical experience to join this trip but you should be a keen walker and be prepared to enter a fitness regime prior to the trek. The most efficient way to get fit for the trip is to trek up and down hills as often as possible. You should also consider regular swimming and perhaps cycling to improve your cardio-vascular fitness. Mental preparation is probably the most important since there will be times when you are tired and cold and you need will power to continue.